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In Living Color: Vegas' Neon Museum

In Living Color: Vegas' Neon Museum

Neon lights are to Las Vegas as art deco is to Miami. The lights were the dreams on which Vegas was built, and they're celebrated at the Neon Museum.

Welcome To The Boneyard...Neon is to Las Vegas as art deco is to Miami. They grew up together -
(the flashing, multicolored bulbs hit the mass market just as Las Vegas was rising from the sand) and have since formed a symbiotic, nearly codependent relationship. You can have the neon without Vegas, but not Vegas without the neon. Neon is the town's trademark. The lights were the dreams on which this glittering town was built.

But not all dreams shine on ever-after. Some burn out, and when they do, they end up at Las Vegas' six-acre Neon Museum and Boneyard. The museum was kind enough to share these images for those of us who can't make it out there. And, for those who are heading to Sin City, hopefully these will inspire a pilgrimage to see this collection of Vegas' glittering history.

Above, the museum's own signage.


Luck Runs Out INot everyone is a winner in Las Vegas.


Valley Of Broken BulbsA view of the Boneyard's West Aisle.


La Concha InterruptedThe museum has plenty of memorabilia from the defunct La Concha motel, including its actual lobby.


Still Burning BrightThe La Concha sign still burns bright, like a Las Vegas version of Madame Rosa.


H-WallA remnant from Binion's Horseshoe Casino, now called Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel.
 

This H wall didn't make the cut during renovations, but still has visual appeal to share.


Luck Runs Out IIA piece of the legendary Sahara Hotel saw its luck run out.


This Way To DomesticityKnown for its quickie weddings, Nevada still won't give the same right to same-sex couples, but the Neon Museum will happily host any and all commitment ceremonies.
 

And, who knows, maybe marriage equality will be legal in Las Vegas in the very near future.


Yucca, YuccaThe Yucca sign embodies the 50s aesthetic that dominates in Vegas.


Leaving Las VegasY'all come back now, ya hear?

Advocate Channel - The Pride StoreOut / Advocate Magazine - Fellow Travelers & Jamie Lee Curtis

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Andrew Belonsky